Claire Lucas, CEng, PFHEA, FIET

Professor Claire Lucas’s research focuses on the development of professional skills and workforce capability, particularly within engineering and technical disciplines. Her work explores how education systems, professional standards and industry practices interact to shape the knowledge, skills and behaviours required for engineers to operate effectively in complex, rapidly evolving technological environments.

Her research examines how universities can design curricula and learning environments that better prepare graduates for interdisciplinary and industry-facing careers. This includes work on curriculum transformation, project-based learning, and the integration of technical and behavioural competencies within engineering education. She has contributed to national discussions on engineering skills and professional formation, including the development of the “key-shaped engineer” framework and the first behavioural skills taxonomy for engineering.

Claire’s research combines systems thinking with qualitative and quantitative approaches, drawing on data from curricula, job roles and professional standards to understand how skills ecosystems evolve and how education can better support workforce development and innovation.

Professor Lucas's research focuses on the development of professional skills and workforce capability.